Infant Simulation System Using HMD and Tactile Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems fail to provide effective training for healthcare personnel to handle unpredictable complications during labor and immediately after birth due to the unpredictability of such events.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for simulating interactions with an infant using a head-mounted display (HMD) and a physical representation, allowing for realistic simulations of infant care scenarios, including holographic overlays and tactile practice, which can be conducted remotely with instructors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If textbook descriptions are used for training, then training coverage is comprehensive, but training effectiveness is limited due to lack of practical experience

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraining effectivenessVSAvoidtraining accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates virtual copies of infants with various complications through computer-generated simulations. These virtual infants replicate real clinical scenarios including preterm birth, respiratory distress, and cardiac issues, allowing trainees to practice procedures on realistic virtual patients without risking actual infants. The virtual models include anatomically correct features and respond to interventions as real infants would.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The simulation system acts as an intermediary between textbook theory and real clinical practice. It provides a middle ground where trainees can apply theoretical knowledge in a controlled virtual environment before encountering real patients, bridging the gap between classroom learning and hands-on experience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If real infant complications are used for training, then training realism is high, but training availability is low due to unpredictability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraining scenariosVSAvoidtraining time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The simulation system dynamically generates and transitions between various clinical scenarios. Instructors can programmatically change infant states to simulate different complications such as respiratory distress, cardiac arrest, or sepsis. The system adapts to training needs by providing diverse scenarios on demand, rather than waiting for natural occurrences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-programs multiple complication scenarios and prepares them for immediate use. Rather than waiting for unpredictable real-world events, the training system has various clinical situations already configured and ready to be activated, ensuring training opportunities are always available.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If remote simulation systems are implemented, then training accessibility is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraining efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical presence and manual instruction delivery with digital and automated systems. Virtual reality headsets, haptic feedback devices, and automated simulation engines substitute for in-person instructors and physical mannequins. This enables remote access while maintaining training quality through immersive technology.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250111799A1Systems, methods, and media for simulating interactions with an infant
Publication Date: 2025.04.03 CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIV
  • US20250111799A1 patent drawing
  • US20250111799A1 patent drawing
  • US20250111799A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems, methods, and media for simulating interactions with an infant are provided. In some embodiments, a system comprises: a display; and at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is programmed to: receive input to add a state; receive input setting one or more parameters associated with the state; cause content to be presented based on the parameters via the display; save the parameters; cause a simulation to be created; receive a selection of the state; and cause a simulated infant in the simulation to be presented based on the one or more parameters.